Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located about 25 kilometres west of Sandakan in the state of Sabah, Malaysia.
The centre opened in 1964 as the first official orangutan rehabilitation project for rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or kept as pets.The orphaned orangutans are trained to survive again in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready. The sanctuary is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve which covers an area of 4,294 ha (10,610 acres), much of which is virgin rainforest. Today around 60 to 80 orangutans are living free in the reserve. It has become one of Sabah's tourist attractions.
In October 2014 the centre opened a new section where visitors can view the nursery area where the younger Orangutans first learn to be outside and play on a large climbing frame. This consists of 2 large indoor seating areas (one with air conditioning and one with fans only) with a large window that overlooks the play area. There is no additional charge to enter this part of the centre.
The Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is neighboured to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and shares veterinary facilities, personnel, parking, access roads and ticket gates.
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is a wildlife conservation and research centre for improving animal welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus). It also aims to raise public awareness about the plight of the sun bears and to raise conservation awareness about this species.
The BSBCC was established as a non-profit organisation in Sabah in 2008. It is a joint project between sun bear researcher Wong Siew Te, Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD).
Early morning, transfer to airport to board a plane for Sandakan (via MH2042) to visit the world’s largest Orang Utan Sanctuary. Meet and greet at the airport airport and drive for about half an hour to Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned and injured Orang-Utan brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return and fend for themselves back to the wild. Sepilok is a primary lowland forest; a fine showcase of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Witness the feeding of Orang-Utan from a platform in the forest. Watch the 25 minutes scheduled video documentary show. Proceed to Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and witness the effort to provide for the care, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and captive sun bears, as well as address the lack of knowledge and awareness of this little-known bear both in Malaysia and internationally. The Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus), found only in south-east Asia, and is the world’s smallest bear species.
Stop at local restaurant for lunch and at 2:00 PM proceed for a city tour and explore the various landmarks of Sandakan, which may include the Central Market, the most amazing variety of fresh seafood and agricultural products, Sim-Sim Water Village where houses are all built close to the water surface while observing the fascinating view of the sea, visit Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple which offers a panoramic view of Sandakan Bay situated on the hilltop of Tanah Merah. After tour, transfer to airport for your evening flight (AK6499) back to Kota Kinabalu.
Meal Included: Lunch
Note:
~ Agnes Keith’s House entrance fee not included & Sandakan War Memorial is upon request
~ Recommended flights (details & timings) subject to change by airlines
RM 400.00 NETT PER PERSON (min. 4 pax, excluding airfare)
RM 425.00 NETT PER PERSON (min. 2 pax, excluding airfare)
Package Includes: English speaking guide, land/boat transfers based on joining basis, entrance fees, Lunch
Package Excludes: Camera/video camera fees, airfares/taxes/insurance and beverages (alcoholic/carbonate/juice), Surcharge @ RM 30.00 pp/return for tour pick up from outskirt hotels (Rasa Ria/Nexus/Beringgis area).
Recommended Personal Gear:
Insect repellent, raincoat (umbrella not recommended), hat, binocular and sun screen (sweat proof). Wear good walking shoes and comfortable cotton T-shirt with long or short pants.
Note:
Unique Tour Operator - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 2016
Best M.I.C.E. Agents 2015/16
Customer Favourite Awards 2015 Europcar Kota Kinabalu Airport
Best Local Tour Operator (Domestic) 2014/15
Best Inbound Tour Operator 2011/12